CONSTRUCTION of the new €20m expansion of Scotch Hall is expected to start in September with the creation of 150 jobs, it has been revealed.
Edward Holdings, the Galway based development company headed by Gerry Barrett, has announced that tenders for the construction of the new extension will be issued this month. Once a construction firm has been appointed, construction is expected to start in September, Mr Barrett has confirmed.
The new multi-million euro extension will include an eight screen cinema with a capacity for 1,500 people, a food court with five units and seating for 450, a new major shop unit and an additional 300 car parking spaces. A contract has already been signed with Eye Cinemas to operate the eight screen cinema complex.
The announcement by follows a series of successful discussions with a range of blue chip tenants. The project will generate an estimated 150 jobs during and following construction.
Commented on the plans, Mr. Barrett said: 'We are delighted with the progress that Douglas Newman Good Commercial agents have made in a difficult economic and trading climate. The success of the marketing campaign to date underpins the decision by the National Asset Management Agency to approve the investment of the expansion of the premier retail complex in the North East.'
He went on to say that to date, three of the five food outlets are at contract stage with strong interest from Irish and International food chains.
'We are confident of contracting all five units by June,' he said,adding: 'Discussions are at an advanced stage with an international fashion chain as anchor tenant of the major shopping unit.
'A significant leisure element such as a cinema and food court have become extremely important additions to established shopping centres especially in town centre locations such as Scotch Hall and the EYE will bring an exciting and innovative offering to Drogheda and is very good news for the Irish suppliers in the cinema market here.'